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I’d been to Florence once before and really enjoyed it.
But tell me if this has happened to you – have you visited somewhere only to go home feeling like you didn’t really see or do as much as you wanted to?
Well, it happened to me. After my first trip to Florence, I had an urge to go back. I really wanted to spend more time seeing the city properly. I finally booked another trip but this time I had a plan.
So what were the things I missed out on doing during my first trip?
More info: riavistas.com
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The Tower of Palazzo Vecchio
The Tower of Palazzo Vecchio was built in the 14 century – the same as the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore.
There’s over 400 steps in total to reach the top.
You’ll find that the first part of the climb up the tower is not that steep – you’ll spend most of it queuing.
There’s a limited amount of space in the narrow part of the tower so they let people go up as others come down.
As you get past the ticket handover point (round the corner) you’ll have the rest of the steps to go – about 249 up the narrower part of the tower.
Steps up Tower Vecchio… They’re a little on the narrow side.
People were coming down as you were going down, so it was sometimes a tight squeeze!
Once you get to the top you’ll have one of the best panoramic views of the city. It’s worth the climb and I’d do it again!
Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore
One of the reasons I wanted to visit Florence again was to take a picture of the beautiful Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore. The best place to see it in all its glory was from the Tower Vecchio.
You really can’t miss the Cathedral as you wander around the city. It’s located in Piazzale del Duomo along with other monuments including the Baptistery; Giotto’s Bell Tower; the Cathedral Museum; Brunelleschi’s Dome (‘cupola’), and the The Crypt of Santa Reparata. Together they make up an amazing museum which has become a key tourist spot in the city.
I was really excited to go up Tower Vecchio and get an amazing photo of this architectural wonder! I didn’t get any good photos of it when I first visited, so made sure I took a lot this time around.
Fact
Did you know that the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore is the third largest church in the world after St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and St Paul’s in London.
Basilica of Santa Croce
You also get a really good view of the Basilica of Santa Croce from Tower Vecchio.
The Basilica of Santa Croce is located in the Piazza di Santa Croce. It’s the same place where you’ll find the Santa Croce Christmas Market. If you’re in the city between the end of November to late December, make sure you stop by!
Climbing Giotto’s Bell Tower
Going up Giotto’s Bell Tower was definitely on my list of things to do.
I adored beautiful delicately painted emerald green and dusky pink shell with gold trimming.
You can’t help but stare at it as you wonder around the Piazzale del Duomo. It’s so beautiful! Going up the tower is even better
View from Giotto’s Bell Tower
One of other monuments in Piazzale del Duomo is Giotto’s Bell Tower.
The view from the tower is spectacular! A great view over the city and of the beautiful Brunelleschi’s Dome. I went up just before sunset!
Giotto’s Bell Tower together with the Baptistery; the Cathedral Museum; Brunelleschi’s Dome (‘cupola’), and the The Crypt of Santa Reparata, make up an amazing museum – a key feature of the the city.
Inside Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile)
There are 7 bells inside Giotto’s Bell Tower (Campanile).
The largest bell is called Santa Reparata – in honour of the saint the church was dedicated to. The bell you see here is called Apostolica
Florence at night from Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is a square with a fantastic panoramic view over the city of Florence. Located on the other side of the Arno River on a hill, it’s in the Oltrarno district of the city.
Piazzale Michelangelo is a good place for a pit stop and you’ll have fantastic views of the city.
It’s a bit of a walk to get to either via the stairs or up the ramp from Piazza Giuseppe Pogg.
The Soul Kitchen!
I finally made time to have aperitivo at The Soul Kitchen!
What a great spread for aperitivo
When it Italy you must go for aperitivo!
Aperitivo is all about having a light snack as a way to prepare before dinner. You can also have aperitivo as a way to socialise with friends.
You buy a drink (usually a set price) then the food and seals are unlimited.
Aperitivo can be served in different ways. A vast majority of outlets provide a light version with platters of cheeses, hams, olives and salted accompaniments like crackers or grissini (breadsticks).
At other bars you’ll get more of a mini meal. This can be anything from pastas, mini pies, vegetables, risotto and mini cakes and ice creams as a desert.
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